We experienced every season during our last few weeks in New Zealand, but for the most part, I’d say it is much like being at the beach in California. Sometimes sunny, occasionally t-shirt weather, never really warm enough to swim. I had to say I did it once, of course, but it wasn’t comfy!

Part 1: May 24-June 7 - Tauranga 

Our very first ‘real,’ simultaneous home exchange, the first I ever arranged and the first we completed. I am not sure it was a fair trade. This house was swanky, one row back from the beach, and fitted with the kitchen of a professional chef. I was like a kid in a candy store with all the spices and equipment.

Not to say we didn’t enjoy some food out. We went to the enormous local farmers/craft market one Saturday and sampled a buffet of local treats. We tried a couple breweries with fun surfer vibes. We had the most authentic and best fish n’ chips wrapped up in butcher paper under the watchful eyes of 10000 sea gulls.

Mostly it was long walks on the beach, at sunrise, sunset, day and night. 

Also a hike up and around ‘The Mount,’ with its incredible views over the Bay of Plenty.

Part 2: June 7-15 - Whatamata

Whatamata is much smaller than the sprawling Tauranga area, and the house couldn’t be more different, but the beach town vibes were the same. We stayed in what kiwis call a ‘bach,’ a beach house vacation home much like what you might find in say, Ocean Park, Washington :) 

The town is at the bottom of the Coromandel Peninsula, a favorite kiwi holiday spot recommended by some of our other Exchange hosts. We took a weekend drive up to some of the gorgeous coastline.

The main trail I wanted to do was closed due to landslides. Here is the lookout from the carpark. Here is what it should look like: https://maps.app.goo.gl/hGc3FtqFFaBMenaY9 

We got a few other short walks in while we waited for low tide. That is the best time to visit the Hot Water Beach, where you can dig your own hot pool, mixing the near-boiling spring water with the chilly ocean. It was very hard to maintain a tolerable balance, and a lot of work to keep digging your pit when a particularly large wave washed it out every several minutes. I promised N a nice spot to soak his sore back, so I was in charge of all the digging and neither of us found it too relaxing. Still, beautiful and memorable! 

After that outing, we got some serious stormy weather. When it cleared, I got to see the local beach rolling with breakers, and took a very muddy local hike to a waterfall before heading back to Auckland for our 11:55pm flight out. 

Beach life was a nice way to cap off these months in New Zealand. It gave me a few more chances to see the sun rise on the new day, long before it set on my friends and family back home. It has been a beautiful experience! I don't know if I'll ever be back, but I won't be sad if I am!